Friday, June 18, 2010

Summer Mantle

Well, Summer is here and my mantle was in need of a make-over that was worthy of hot, summer days. I decided on a beach theme using lots of shells, sand, and other natural elements.

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Here's what my fireplace looked like before I started:

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Everything I used to decorate were things that I already had. Most of the shells I used I have had since I was a child. Most of them came from family trips to Florida. I'm so glad I have all of these beautiful shells - who knew I would be using them years later to decorate!

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Here's what the mantle looks like now:

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I purchased the apothecary jars from TJ Maxx and Marshall's a few years ago. I'm glad I have them - I keep them up on my mantle most of the year. I just switch out the fillers for the different seasons.

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Two of the jars are filled at the bottom with sand and shells on top.

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The third jar is filled with dried sea bark I purchased from Pottery Barn a few years ago. I think it is actually dried cactus. I recently saw it for sale at Michael's.

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I bought both of the star fish on the island of Capri in Italy. Every time I look at them it reminds me of our great vacation!

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I printed out the sea horse and shell print for free from Vintage Printables. I first found out about Vintage Printables from Rene of Cottage and Vine and now I can't stop printing out things!

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I have two frames hanging near my fireplace. I switched out the photos I had in the frames for more shell prints.

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Not bad for free prints!

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I added beach grass to a vase filled with sand to set in front of the fireplace.

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To complete the Summer look, I added a hurricane filled with sand and shells to my coffee table.

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Thanks for reading! I hope you are inspired to bring a little bit of Summer inside your home.

I am inspired! Everything looks so classy. My mantle needs a touch of summer. I get lazy and leave the same items up there most of the year. The only time I really change it is for Christmas. Now I need to find something summer-y!

Alissa, Your mantle is charming. I love how you combined it all and included the rest of the room in the makeover. The hurricane on the coffee table-the frames with new pictures. This is a great way to change out a room for little money--I love it! Sherry

This came out so beautiful!! I love what you have done. Thanks for the tip on the vintage prints! Also I have been to Capri and we loved it there! We took a hike to the top where some cool ruins were and on the way had a instantaneous picknic lunch of cheese , olives, and bread (those were the days before I realized I couldn't have gluten!! I kept wondering why I was so sick!! ha!)

Oh everything couldn't be more perfect. I love all your gorgeous containers with the shells and all of your other fabulous accessories. You really do have a knack for creating the best vignettes. Thanks so much for joining TTT. Hugs, Marty

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